BOC Aviation signed a purchase-and-leaseback agreement with Middle East Airlines (MEA) for a minimum of five, and up to ten new Airbus A321NEO aircraft.

The aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G-JM engines and are expected to deliver in 2020 and 2021.

“We are very pleased to be working with Middle East Airlines once again on their fleet and network expansion plans, building on a long-term relationship that dates back over 20 years,” said Robert Martin, managing director and CEO, BOC Aviation. “This incremental capital expenditure for larger narrow-body new technology aircraft is yet another example of our disciplined investment in popular and in-demand aircraft. It also speaks to our capacity to provide innovative solutions for our customers and, more importantly, our long-standing and strong customer relationships with leading airlines like Middle East Airlines.”

Middle East Airlines is the national airline of Lebanon and one of the leading Middle Eastern carriers. From its home base in Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, MEA flies to 32 international destinations in Europe, Middle East and West Africa, with a fleet of 18 Airbus aircraft.

BOC Aviation is a global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 499 aircraft owned, managed and on order. Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 92 airlines worldwide in 40 countries and regions as of June 30, 2019.